Following the success of the inaugural Ace Classic Tennis Tournament in January 2024, the tournament returned for a second year over the Australia Day weekend, this year being a URT verified event.
The singles competition, which was won last year by touring pro Josh Charlton, who unfortunately couldn’t take part due to playing in and ATP Challenge event in Brisbane, was supplemented this year by a doubles competition.
As a result of the generosity of local business who enthusiastically backed the event, prize money of over $7,200 was on offer.
Organisers Chris Millidonis, Bunyip TC coach and West Gippsland Tennis Association President, Vanessa Kent, secretary of Bunyip TC and West Gippsland Tennis Association, and Andrew Nicholls worked hard behind the scenes for months to promote the tournament, and were delighted with the entry numbers and the quality of players, with a number of elite professional players entering the draw, along with several up and coming youngsters and local talent.
With a 32 player draw in the singles, the line up included number 1 seed, Corey Gaal, who has recently retired from playing to coach young Aussie star Destanee Aiava, who had a great run in this year’s Australian Open reaching the second round of the main draw. In somewhat of a surprise, touring pro Stefan Storch, the number 3 seed, defeated number 2 seed Zach Adam-Gedge in the semi-final, then coming from behind defeated Corey 6-3, 6-4 in the final. Spectators were delighted to see Destanee come along to Bunyip to support her fiancé in the finals.
The win was well deserved, with Stefan and Zach both reaching the doubles final, along with their partners Adrian Arcon and Wes Neylon. Stefan was heading off to New Zealand to play in another tournament following his win; his prize money helping towards his travel and living costs, which is what the original intent of the prize money tournament was all about.
Unfortunately, due to extreme heat on Monday, with temperatures reaching over 39c, due to player safety the doubles match was unable to go ahead, and was deemed a draw, with the finalists splitting the 1st and and prize pool equally.
With many locals, plus a number staying in the caravan park, coming along to watch some great tennis, the event was a huge success, with fantastic feedback from the players. Thanks goes to the dedicated Bunyip TC committee and members who worked hard in the lead up to the event, and went out of their way over the long hot weekend to look after the players and spectators. Ideas and planning for the 2026 event are already underway!
Of course, none of it would have been possible without the support of the sponsors, and the organisers and club committee would like to give a huge thanks to Sienna Pools, Community Bank Bunyip & District, Railway Hotel Bunyip, In 2 Frames, Greenpatch Horticulture, Clarks Blinds & Screens Red Rooster – Pakenham Cardinia Lakes, Bulk Transport Equipment, RK Engineering Garfield, Bunyip Dental Clinic, Bunyip Post Office and Expresso Café Bunyip.
